Air pump in a hard disk drive (HDD)

ABSTRACT

An air pump for generating air pressure in a hard disk drive (HDD) including a rotor disposed inside the HDD. The rotor comprises a first air pressure generating feature. The air pump further includes a stator. The stator includes a second air pressure generating feature. The first air pressure generating feature corresponds with the second air pressure generating feature and the air pressure is generated at a location where the first air pressure generating feature rotates in proximity to the second air pressure generating feature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/648,969 entitled Aerostatic Sealing in a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), by Ferdinand Hendriks, filed Dec. 29, 2009, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present technology relate generally to the field of hard disk drives.

BACKGROUND

Airflow caused by the rotation of disks in a hard disk drive (HDD) causes turbulence which can deleteriously affect the read/write function of the HDD. Conventional technology attempts to limit the velocity of the airflow within the HDD, especially in the region of the read/write heads, by placing aerodynamic parts (e.g., diverters, spoilers, damper plates, etc.) in close proximity to and/or in between the disks. However, there must always be a clearance between the aerodynamic part and the disks, because the disks will often fail if any part within the HDD physically contacts the disks. Passive clearances often occupy only 50% of the disk/disk clearance or the disk/cover and disk/base casting clearance. Moreover, physical interaction between parts in a HDD can cause friction which can lead to mechanical failure of the interacting parts and also cause vibrations within the HDD.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a HDD, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of aerostatic sealing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of aerostatic sealing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an air pump, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an air pump, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an air pump, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present technology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction with various embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, the present technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments.

In general, aerodynamic parts are configured to deflect, block, seal or otherwise inhibit airflow in the disk and actuator region and consequently reduce turbulence in the disk and actuator region. There must always be a clearance between the disks and the aerodynamic parts because the disks can fail if the aerodynamic parts come into physical contact with the disks. However, the necessary clearance (a gap between the aerodynamic part and the disks) provides a poor seal between the aerodynamic parts and the disks because there is considerable leakage.

Also, some parts within the HDD physically come into contact with each other. The physical contact of parts can cause friction which can lead to mechanical failure of the contacting parts and may also add to vibrations within the HDD.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a schematic drawing of one embodiment of an information storage system including a magnetic hard disk file or HDD 110 for a computer system is shown, although only one head and one disk surface combination are shown. What is described herein for one head-disk combination is also applicable to multiple head-disk combinations. In other words, the present technology is independent of the number of head-disk combinations.

In general, HDD 110 has an outer housing 113 usually including a base portion (shown) and a top or cover (not shown). In one embodiment, housing 113 contains a disk pack having at least one media or magnetic disk 138. The disk pack (as represented by disk 138) defines an axis of rotation and a radial direction relative to the axis in which the disk pack is rotatable.

A spindle motor assembly having a central drive hub 130 operates as the axis and rotates the disk 138 or disks of the disk pack in the circumferential direction 140 relative to housing 113. An actuator assembly 115 includes one or more actuator arms 116. When a number of actuator arms 116 are present, they are usually represented in the form of a comb that is movably or pivotally mounted to base/housing 113. A controller 150 is also mounted to base 113 for selectively moving the actuator arms 116 relative to the disk 138. Actuator assembly 115 may be coupled with a connector assembly, such as a flex cable to convey data between arm electronics and a host system, such as a computer, wherein HDD 110 resides.

In one embodiment, each actuator arm 116 has extending from it at least one cantilevered integrated lead suspension (ILS) 120. The ILS 120 may be any form of lead suspension that can be used in a data access storage device. The level of integration containing the slider 121, ILS 120, and read/write head is called the Head Gimbal Assembly (HGA).

The ILS 120 has a spring-like quality, which biases or presses the air-bearing surface of slider 121 against disk 138 to cause slider 121 to fly at a precise distance from disk 138. ILS 120 has a hinge area that provides for the spring-like quality, and a flexing cable-type interconnect that supports read and write traces and electrical connections through the hinge area. A voice coil 112, free to move within a conventional voice coil motor magnet assembly is also mounted to actuator arms 116 opposite the head gimbal assemblies. Movement of the actuator assembly 115 by controller 150 causes the head gimbal assembly to move along radial arcs across tracks on the surface of disk 138.

In one embodiment, HDD includes an upstream spoiler 160 (with aerostatic seals) for modifying air flow generated by the rotation of disks 138 and for creating an aerostatic seal between itself and the disks 138.

Aerodynamic Devices for Aerostatic Sealing

FIG. 2 illustrates aerodynamic device 210 for aerostatic sealing in a HDD, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 depicts an aerodynamic device 210 for modifying air flow generated by the rotation of disks 138 and for creating an aerostatic seal between itself and the disks 138. Aerodynamic device 210 includes an inlet port 215 configured to receive pressurized air flow 240 and a plurality of outlet ports 220 configured to discharge the pressurized air flow 240 from within the aerodynamic device.

In various embodiments, aerodynamic device 210 is any aerodynamic device configured to modify airflow in the HDD and located proximate at least one disk in the HDD. For example, aerodynamic device 210 is a damper plate that is disposed between two disks. Aerodynamic device 210 can be a diverter which diverts airflow away (e.g., to a bypass channel) from the disk region.

Aerodynamic device can be a spoiler (e.g., upstream or downstream). In one embodiment, aerodynamic device can be disposed in between at least two disks of a plurality of disks. In another embodiment, aerodynamic device is disposed in between all of the disks in the HDD. In further embodiments, a plurality of aerodynamic devices are disposed in between at least two disks of a plurality of disks or disposed in between all of the disks in the HDD.

The pressurized air 240 that exits outlet ports 220 is discharged directly at the disks 138. The pressurized air 240 discharged in the direction of disks 138 increases the drag of the aerodynamic device and causes an aerostatic seal 230 between the aerodynamic device 210 and the disks 138. An aerostatic seal 230 is a non-contact seal. In other words, the discharged pressurized air 240 directed at the disks 138 allows for a mechanical clearance between the aerodynamic device 210 and the disks 138 while also sealing the clearance. For example, turbulent air outside the disk region is prohibited by the aerostatic seal 230 from leaking past to the disks and/or in between the disks through the clearance. Likewise, stable air flow in between the disks 138 is sealed in between the disks by the aerostatic seal 230. Thus, making the HDD aerodynamic parts more effective.

It should be appreciated that any number of outlet and inlet ports 220 can be formed in any orientation on the aerodynamic device 210. For example, outlet ports 220 can discharge pressurized air 240 orthogonal to the data surface of the disks 138. In another embodiment, outlet ports 220 can discharge pressurized air 240 parallel the data surface of the disks. It should be appreciated that the outlet ports can discharge pressurized air 240 at any angle with respect to the data surface of the disks.

The pressurized air flow 240 is generated inside the HDD. In one embodiment, the pressurized air flow 240 is generated by a pressure difference inside the HDD. For example, pressurized airflow 240 can travel from a location of high pressure to the inlet port 215, via ducting, if the pressure at the inlet port 215 is lower than that at the location of high pressure. In another embodiment, the pressurized air flow 240 is generated by an air pump inside the HDD, which is described in detail below. It should also be appreciated that a suction (e.g., flow from the outlet ports 220 to the inlet port 215) through the outlet ports 220 also creates an aerostatic seal 230 between the aerodynamic device 210 and disks 138.

FIG. 3 illustrates aerodynamic device 210 for aerostatic sealing in a HDD, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the only difference between FIG. 3 and FIG. 2 is that air is sucked through inlet ports 320 compared to being discharged through outlet ports 220 of FIG. 2. Accordingly, the aerostatic sealing illustrated in FIG. 3 is accomplished by an opposite flow of air through aerodynamic device 210 as compared to FIG. 2. In other words, aerostatic sealing is accomplished by air being suctioned or vacuumed into intake ports 320 and the suctioned air exits output port 315. Therefore, aerostatic seal 230 is accomplished by vacuum pressure 340 that vacuums or sucks air into inlet ports 320 and out of outlet port 315.

Air Pump Inside HDD

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate air pumps that generate air pressure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, the air pumps can be run in reverse and create a vacuum or suction pressure. FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of motor 400 that includes a motor spindle or rotor 410 and a base or stator 440. For purposes of brevity and clarity, only features applicable for the generation of air pressure in the HDD are included. Rotor 410 includes an air pressure generating feature. For example, pocketed region 420 of the rotor 410 includes a series of pockets 430 circumscribing the pocketed region. The stator 440 includes a continuous channel 450 circumscribing the pocketed region of the stator. The channel 450 includes an inlet port 454 and an outlet port 452.

The series of pockets 430 is opposed to the channel 450. The channel 450 is an air pressure generating feature that corresponds to pockets 430. Accordingly, as the rotor 410 rotates with respect to stator 440, the pockets 430 entrain air through the inlet port 454. The air in each pocket 430 progressively becomes compressed as it travels along the channel 450. As the pockets of compressed air passes over the outlet port 452, the pressurized air in the pockets discharges through the outlet port 452. The pressurized air 460 can be delivered to any part of the HDD via ducting. In one embodiment, pressurized air 460 is 500 to 2000 Pascals (Pa) or 50 to 200 millimeters (mm) H₂O. The pockets 430 can be any shape (e.g., scallop) that allows for air circulate in the pockets and subsequently become compressed and exit the outlet port 452. It should be appreciated that the air pressure is generated at a location where the air pressure generating feature of the rotor rotates in proximity to the air pressure generating feature of the stator.

The clearance between the rotor 410 and the stator 440 can also cause leakage and accordingly loss of pressure. Leakage can be minimized by techniques such as but not limited to labyrinth seals. In one embodiment, the clearance between the rotor and the stator in the labyrinth region is 0.2 mm.

In one embodiment, the rotor 410 and stator 440, in combination, act as a regenerative disk or friction pump. The pressure created by the regenerative disk or friction pump can cause an axial force on the rotor which is approximately equal to the average pressure on the stator 440. It should also be appreciated that the rotor 410 and stator 440, can work in reverse.

FIG. 5 depicts an air pump 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Air pump 500 includes a motor spindle or rotor 510, a base or stator 540, anti-vibration coupling 520 and wobbler 530. In one embodiment, rotor 510 is a fluid dynamic bearing (FDB). Wobbler 530 is configured to convert the rotary motion of the rotor 510 into an orbiting motion. Anti-vibration coupling 520 is configured to reduce vibration during the conversion of rotary motion into orbiting motion. In general, the wobbler 530 and the stator 540 have corresponding interleaved scrolls (not shown) that pump, compress, or pressurize air that is provided at intake 550. It should be appreciated that the rotor 510 and wobbler 530, in combination, includes an air pressure generating feature (e.g., scroll). Also, the stator includes an air generating feature (e.g., scroll). Often, one of the scrolls is fixed, while the other orbits eccentrically without rotating, thereby trapping and pumping or compressing pockets of fluid between the scrolls. The vane geometry of the scrolls (not shown) may be involute, archimedean spiral, or hybrid curves. It should be appreciated that the air pressure is generated at a location where the air pressure generating feature of the wobbler orbits in proximity to the air pressure generating feature of the stator.

Balancing of the motor 500 can be accomplished by operating two opposing pumps. In one embodiment, air pump 500 is a scroll pump. It should be appreciated that pressurized air generated by air pump 500 can be delivered to any part of the HDD via ducting. In one embodiment, the pressurized air is 500 to 2000 Pa or 50 to 200 mm H₂O.

FIG. 6 depicts an air pump 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Air pump 600 includes a rotor 610. In one embodiment, rotor 610 is a FDB. Rotor 610 includes an air pressure generating feature. For example, a plurality of buckets 620 circumscribing the rotor 610. As rotor 610 rotates, the plurality of buckets 620 collects air. The collected air is pressurized and discharges into a port 630. In one embodiment, air pump 600 is a Pelton wheel. The pressurized air generated by air pump 600 can be delivered to any part of the HDD via ducting. In one embodiment, the pressurized air is 500 to 2000 Pa or 50 to 200 mm H₂O. It should be appreciated that the air pressure is generated at a location where the air pressure generating feature of the rotor rotates in proximity to the air pressure generating feature of the stator.

The air pressure created by air pumps depicted in FIGS. 4-6 can be directed via ducting to anywhere inside the HDD. In one embodiment, the air pressure is the pressurized air flow 240 utilized to create the aerostatic seals 230, as described above. The air pumps, as with most pumps, can work in reverse. In one embodiment, the air pressure created by the air pumps depicted in FIGS. 4-6 is a vacuum pressure (e.g., 340) utilized to create the aerostatic seals 230, as described above.

Moreover, air pressure created within the HDD can also be used for levitation of components inside the HDD. Typically, a slider 121 travels over a load/unload ramp (not shown) when moving from a resting position to a read/write position over the disk. In one embodiment, air pressure can be directed to the slider 121, via ducting, as the slider travels over the load/unload ramp and thereby levitating the slider 121. Accordingly, the levitation of the slider 121 will reduce friction and thereby reduce any vibrations due to the friction of the load/unload ramp.

Various embodiments of the present invention are thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims. 

1. An air pump for generating air pressure in a hard disk drive (HDD) comprising: a rotor disposed inside said HDD, wherein said rotor comprises a first air pressure generating feature; and a stator, wherein said stator comprises a second air pressure generating feature, wherein said first air pressure generating feature corresponds with said second air pressure generating feature and said air pressure is generated at a location where said first air pressure generating feature travels in proximity to said second air pressure generating feature, wherein said air pressure comprises: an air pressure comprising a range of 500 to 2000 Pascals (Pa).
 2. The air pump of claim 1, wherein said rotor comprises: a fluid dynamic bearing.
 3. The air pump of claim 1, wherein said air pressure is directed to an aerodynamic device and aerostatically seals said aerodynamic device with at least one disk.
 4. The air pump of claim 1, wherein said air pressure is directed to at least one component in said HDD and levitates said at least one component.
 5. The air pump of claim 1, wherein said air pump is selected from a group consisting of: a regenerative pump, a scroll pump or Pelton wheel.
 6. The air pump of claim 1, wherein said first air pressure generating feature comprises: a plurality of pockets circumscribing said rotor at a pocketed region.
 7. The air pump of claim 1, wherein said second air pressure generating feature comprises: a channel circumscribing said stator at a pocketed region.
 8. A hard disk drive (HDD) comprising: at least one magnetic disk; a rotor configured to rotate said at least one magnetic disk, wherein said rotor comprises a first air pressure generating feature; and a stator, wherein said stator comprises a second air pressure generating feature, wherein said first air pressure generating feature corresponds with said second air pressure generating feature and said air pressure is generated at a location where said first air pressure generating feature travels in proximity to said second air pressure generating feature, wherein said air pressure comprises: an air pressure comprising a range of 500 to 2000 Pascals (Pa).
 9. The HDD of claim 8, wherein said first air pressure generating feature comprises: a plurality of pockets circumscribing said rotor.
 10. The HDD of claim 8, wherein said air pressure is directed to an aerodynamic device and aerostatically seals said aerodynamic device with at least one disk.
 11. The HDD of claim 8, wherein said air pressure is directed to at least one component in said HDD and levitates said at least one component.
 12. The HDD of claim 8, wherein said air pressure is generated by an air pump wherein said air pump is selected from a group consisting of: a regenerative pump, a scroll pump or Pelton wheel.
 13. The HDD of claim 8, comprising: a wobbler configured to convert a rotary motion of said rotor to an orbital motion. 